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If you haven't checked her out yet, you should. She's a much better writer than me. \n\nCharacters presented are of legal age of consent. ", "description_bbcode_parsed": "Seeing her master's youngest child suffer in the absence of his pet, Mallory takes it upon herself to rescue the classless tramp that has stolen his heart.

This is set in \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTerraMGP\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t		\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTerraMGP\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
's Yggdrasil setting with her permission. If you haven't checked her out yet, you should. She's a much better writer than me.

Characters presented are of legal age of consent. ", "writing": "Mallory had to admit that the young master had shown to be more exuberant around the classless wretch he'd found in the gutter. The raccoon was not blind to his behaviors, she did practically raise him when his mother was working. And a busy lady like Mrs. Karbon was nearly always on the job, one that required a focus and dedication the head maid respected. As such, she'd been, but would never call herself, a second mother to Eric. Feeding him, clothing him, cleaning up, and playing with him until he was too old to partake in her as a playmate. She loved him like family, as she did all of the Karbons.\n\nSo seeing the young fox nearly kill himself again and again as he scoured through cyberspace to find his missing pet had the raccoon's fists clenched so tight that she'd be bleeding if her palms weren't reinforced. She knew he had been struggling socially and how that hurt his mental state. But why her? Why some bunny from the trash heaps? If he had to deal with the lower class, he could at least have dealt with a class 3, someone who knows how the world works and accepts their place.\n\nBut no. He had to be infatuated with the scum of scum. And of course, she went missing. She tapped into enough of his searches to get the impression that she'd been kidnapped. But such a thing made no sense. Why kidnap a bodyguard? The Karbon's enemies had plenty of reason to kidnap their children, even if it would be suicidal. But a guardian, one from the lowest dregs, made no sense. \n\nShe shook her head, adjusting her glasses as new information came in. Sense didn't matter. What mattered was her poor master nearly killing himself repeatedly and she would see fit to stop it. Sitting up from her chair, Mallory simultaneously watched the feed to Eric's room as she palmed a syringe. As soon as he dove back into cyberspace, she entered his room. The young fox's cybersecurity skills were impressive, but they did little to stop the torque her own arms could muster as she pulled them open. A punishment she'll pay for later.\n\nLost in his realm, Eric couldn't hear metal being torn and churned under her grip. Forcing the doors aside, she strode in and softly stabbed the syringe into his neck. ``Rest now, young master,'' She whispered, knowing he couldn't hear her as his consciousness slipped to dreams, ``I will find your pet and bring her back kicking and screaming.'' \n\nSatisfied with a quick scan of his vitals, Mallory stepped out and met with the tall frame of the dark furred badger. ``Evening, Mallory,'' Leif said with a graceful bow of his head. ``How are you?''\n\n``I am fine, Leif. Do you need something?'' Mallory asked, trying and failing to step around his hulking frame. He shook his head, ``No, you cannot. I am just here to hold you until Mavis arrives, so she may question you.'' \n\n``Hold me to...'' she smiled as her left eye twitched, ``Did you just refer to Mistress Mavis by her first name?''\n\nFor a second, Leif's expression cracked. His eyes widened and throat tightened under Mallory's judging gaze. ``In combat situations, I find it easier to refer to those by their first name.'' The two turned to find Mavis walking toward them. The white fox carried herself in a tight sports bra and leggings, and the scent of exercise had Mallory almost chastise her mistress to rest better. Eric wasn't the only child she raised in this house. ``But you are correct, Mallory. Leif should be calling me by my proper title.''\n\nThe badger took to his knees and bowed his head, ``My apologies, Mistress. It will not happen again.''\n\nThe raccoon expected a reprimand. A cold and harsh swift punishment to remind her fellow servant his place. Instead, the white fox simply raised her hand and said, ``At ease. It is little compared to what Mallory has just done.'' \n\nHer heart sank. Mavis was watching? Either the raccoon had been careless, or the eldest daughter had gained more skills than she had expressed to her father. Pride swelled, mixing with the upcoming fear of punishment for doing what needed to be done. How could she not be happy for the white fox's skills, even if they were against her? \n\nShe could lie, but such an act would be sacrilegious against her masters. ``Oh? And what might that be, Mistress?'' There was a chance, a slim chance, that she could get away without another hitch. Time was, for the classless dredge anyway, short. Mavis's expression stayed stern, eyeing the raccoon with the scrutiny of a captain. Grabbing her wrist with her robotic right arm, she squeezed until Mallory's own cybernetics relented, letting the syringe fall to the floor. ``What did you do to my little brother?'' She asked, burning rage on the tip of her tongue.\n\nThe raccoon couldn't help but smile softly. Even underneath the military demeanor, Mavis still cared about her siblings. So much like her father. ``I humbly request your forgiveness, my lady. But young master Eric has been pushing himself through cyberspace without rest since he returned. I, in good faith, cannot allow him to keep injuring himself like this. So I administered a sleep aid to enforce rest.'' There was no regret in her voice. She would take one hundred lashes if it meant her betters were taken care of. \n\nMavis's expression remained stern. She looked to Eric's room, the dented doors that were forced open, then back to the raccoon. ``Do you know why that is?'' \n\n``Yes.'' Mallory nodded, ``He is looking for Sarah. Young Master Eric was found unconscious in the mall without her in sight. He believes she was kidnapped.''\n\n``A bodyguard? Kidnapped?'' Mavis wore the confusion across her brow, ``Why would anyone wish to kidnap a classless? Isn't it more likely she escaped?'' \n\n``That was a working theory of mine, Mistress. I have figured out her location from credible sources, and was going to reclaim her at this very moment.''\n\n``Alone?''\n\nShe nodded without hesitation. This was something not worth the time or effort of the Karbon's. The white fox shook her head, ``Leif, head to my quarters and acquire our gear. I expect my selection to be appropriate for urban, but ultimately subtle, combat.''\n\nMallory blinked in confusion as she watched the badger leave. ``Mistress, I do not think that is-''\n\n``Your opinion is noted, Mallory, but I have already made my decision. What has happened is a clear attack on the Karbon household, and as the local head, it is my responsibility to deal with it.'' Her metallic hand held the raccoon's chin, forcing the maid deep into her eyes, ``Your punishment for attempting this without informing me can be discussed later. Now, tell me where you found my brother's pet so we can retrieve it.''\n\nA tear formed in the coon's eye, but she fought it off. Now was not the time to weep with joy at the woman Alfred's daughter had become. In weakness, Mallory wished her lord would show more pride publicly in his children. They deserved so much more than a closed door celebration. ``Right away, Mistress. My contacts have spotted her description in the factory district.''\n\n``Your contacts?'' Mavis queried her brow, ``Mallory, this is the first I am hearing of any contacts you have.''\n\n``I was your father's personal slave for many years before he married into the family, Mistress Mavis. We encountered many colorful characters, and as a caretaker I am to make sure of any potential threats. Foreign, and domestic.''\n\n***\n\nSkiv knew pain. Being classless, pain was most of her day to day life. Mental, physical, emotional, she'd experienced enough to think she could take anything thrown at her. \n\nHer lungs disagreed, burning as the black rabbit screamed in agony while electricity ran through her nerves. Kicking and flailing with what little room her restraints gave, all to fruitlessly alleviate the searing shocks coursing through her. \n\nThen it stopped. The rabbit gasped for air and struggled to hold her head aloft. How long had she been here? She had no way to tell, not with the featureless walls and lack of windows. Her only hint were the two rabbits with her; one wearing a tailored suit and a blank black screen hiding his face, sitting on a folding chair with his legs crossed. The other wore a full suit of latex, her face covered by a mask with holes for her ears, eyes, nose and mouth. The sitting bun had his hand tight on the latex bun's scalp, forcing her to watch Skiv's sessions. \n\n``S-Stop-\" Her words became screams as electricity surged again. Drips's had to be watching, why else would they be torturing her? Skiv found no camera on the walls, leaving her to assume the sick facker sitting across was recording it through his mask. Shame built up between the brief pauses from pain, knowing Eric was watching them torment her. \n\nShe was strong. She knew pain. But even Skiv had her limits, crying for mercy after every surge of electricity. If Drips, no, if Eric really cared like he believed he did, the fox would give into whatever demands they asked. \n\n[i]You're pathetic[/i]. The voice in her head growled. [i]Just how soft have you become? Begging for mercy like some sniffling whore. What's next? Offering them your body like every other weakling with a cunt?[/i]\n\nTears matted her cheeks. ``Stop...please stop...'' She begged, dangling helplessly before her audience. A buzzer sounded off. Reflex had her tightening her core and closed her eyes, not knowing what else to expect but more pain. When none came, she took a peak to find the masked rabbit's head arched upward as if reading something. The masked bun on her feet still watched, terror and tear edging at her eyes. Her oh so familiar eyes.\n\n``Fack, I need to sleep.'' Getting up, the screen masked bun brushed off his suit and pulled the other rabbit up. His gimped slave stood a foot over him, sizable breasts constrained tight in her suit and arms bound behind her. ``Come,'' He said, tugging the least around her throat, ``I have a visor for you back home.''\n\nWere they done? No, whatever this was, it was a temporary reprieve. Despite the pain in her body and fear in her throat, Skiv lurched as far forward as the chains let her. ``Where's Eric?'' She demanded. ``I want to see Eric.''\n\n``Not here.'' He didn't turn back to her, ``There's nothing I want from him.''\n\n``That's facking bull!'' The leather constraining her strained, ``That's why you're torturing me, ain't it? Why else would I still be alive? Why even take me?''\n\n``I don't have to explain myself to classless trash.''\n\n``Then why the mask? To hide your unearned superiority?'' He stopped at the door, letting the frame freeze open. He turned back as it closed, feet nearly stomping the ground he marched over. ``I was blessed with my superiority.'' His fist drove into her stomach before Skiv could answer. More surprising than painful. ``I am nothing like gutter trash like you. Your kind is nothing but pipe waste, sludge, scum that's barely even worth turning into worthwhile product!'' His strikes became flails, hitting aimlessly throughout her body like a tantrum slamming the ground. ``You dare think you're better? You're just a pet, a product that some lonely fox saw fit to purchase. You shouldn't even exist!''\n\nHis hits didn't hurt, not on their own. But the previous shocks had made her a bit more sensitive to each pommel. Yet she laughed at him. Maybe she cracked, maybe she found his attempts to hurt her by himself just too funny. But Skiv laughed all the same. ``Shut up!'' His command went unanswered. \n\nThe shocks resumed. ``Shut up!'' He roared, turning her laughter to screams. The gimped up bunny behind him leaned into the shorter rabbit, resting her breasts against his head. The electricity stopped, filling the room with Skiv's panting pain and the crinkling of latex. ``You're right, I'll be late,'' He said to his slave, before turning to Skiv and continuing, ``This isn't about Eric, and this isn't about you. You're just an unfortunate existence that this whore promised didn't exist.'' \n\nWhore? Skiv peered at the latex bun, who turned away. Gears clicked in her, filling in as pieces made sense. The eyes, she'd seem them in her own reflection before. But...''Mo-'' Pain burst through her nerves, straining her voice box again. \n\n``Never,'' He uttered with suppressed fury, ``Say that word in my presence, whore.'' Skiv hung lifelessly by hooks and chains, free from the shocks for an unknowable amount of time. She couldn't believe it. That gimped up rabbit, who'd been forced to suck her off, was her mother? No, it couldn't be. The last she saw of her mother, she'd been abandoned in an empty oil drum.\n\nBut who else could she be?\n\n***\n\nThe lower districts were a necessary plight of any society. While Mallory made note to not look out the windows and see the third class rabble work and toil throughout factories, she couldn't help but see them out of the corner of her eye. Society needed workers, it needed people doing the worst jobs in order for the rest to flourish. So she felt no pity or sympathy for them, as she'd be doing the same in their position. \n\nIn many ways, she was. Gone was her maid uniform, replaced with a tight bodysuit meant for quick movement and infiltration. Her ready check pinged off, a third go around of all the raccoon's internal systems to avoid any errors in the field. Mavis sat across from her, wearing an odd mix of combat fatigues and casual wear. Unacceptable in the higher districts, but perfect enough to tell the lower classes not to mess with her. \n\nLeif's voice echoed over the intercom, ``We're here, Mistress.'' Mallory and Mavis looked out from the window, finding one of the many warehouses dotting the landscape. It bore nothing special compared to the rest, standing tall with concrete windowless walls and heavy bay doors. The raccoon's contacts told her it was owned through several companies, and they were still digging to trace the primary owner. Corruption made it easy for those working in the underbelly to gain privacy, so long as they didn't step on the wrong toes.\n\nParking in shadows between buildings, the three exited their vehicle and opened the trunk. Leif grabbed two MASER rifles, handing one to Mavis who immediately checked its sights. ``Mallory, scope out the perimeter and tell me any weak points.'' \n\nShe complied, pulling the mask of her suit on and blending into the background. Mallory knew the standard procedure, she'd done this since before the white fox was born. Find every weak point possible, gauge which is the best for entry, create backup plans, etc. But even with the blueprints her contacts provided, they had no idea of what resistance to expect, or even where they held Sarah.\n\nThankfully, there were always people she could ask. After mapping three entrances, she returned to the one with the lowest amount of security; one guard leaned up against the wall, his rifle to his side and a cig in his maw. Unprofessionalism at its finest. \n\nIn one fluid motion, she kicked the tiger's gun away and rammed her open palm into his neck. He gagged, dropping his cig in futile attempts to call for help. Still unseen, she slipped behind and kicked his knees forward, forcing him to the ground to better lock an arm around his throat. \n\n``Scream and you die,'' Mallory whispered with an icy chill. Fingers tight around his maw, her hands were strong enough to shatter it, and the raccoon had enough control to compress and break his bones slowly if she wanted. ``Answer my questions and you'll wake up tomorrow with a sore neck. Nod if you understand.'' He nodded, but she didn't let go. ``Good. Now, how many guards do you have inside?''\n\n``T-Twenty,'' The tiger muttered through his lips, ``They ain't aug-'' She clamped down, ``I didn't ask if they were augmented, I asked how many.'' Of course she snagged a coward, perfectly willing to blabber on if it got them a way out. Or extra time for his friends to arrive. ``How are they armed?''\n\n``Basic laser armaments and shock batons.'' She half expected burners, but kidnappers able to get the drop on Sarah were less likely to be simple gangers. As much as she disliked the bun, Mallory appreciated the girl's own skills. ``Good, good. Now, you have a prisoner inside. A black rabbit hermaphrodite. Where is she?''\n\n``F-First floor, back room.'' No resistance whatsoever. Someone clearly valued their life over whatever they were being paid. If not for her master's own career, she'd feel disgusted at such a lack of loyalty. ``Good boy. Now,'' She jabbed her nail into his neck, ``You're going to go to sleep. If we cross paths again like this, I will kill you, so find a new career.'' The drugs worked their magic in seconds, forcing the tiger limp then unconscious in her arms. Relying the information back to Mavis, albeit impatiently, awaited further orders.\n\n``Twenty with maser weaponry? Getting in shouldn't be an issue, getting out with our target however...Leif and I shall provide a distraction from two sides. You will enter on the third and apprehend the mark. Is that clear?'' \n\n``Yes, Mistress.'' It was also unnecessary but that was her own pride talking. Sarah, despite being the captive, was the wild card in all of this. For all they knew, she had been working with them, or would try to put up a fight upon her rescue. The former felt unlikely, given the weaponry that they carried. The latter...well Mallory wouldn't lose any sleep over it. \n\nShe rushed in as explosions rocked both sides. The camo from her suit melded her into the walls and hid any body temperature from the scanners. Heavy and rapid footsteps echoed throughout the concrete walls, with Mallory missing her fair share of combatants passing her by. Just like her tiger said, maser weapons. No uniform though, each dressed with a mix of armor hidden under ponchos or baggy street clothes. Nothing Leif and Mavis couldn't take care of, at least for a short while. \n\nWhich backroom had the raccoon regret her lack of specifications. There were plenty of doors, each unlocked and triggered on motion. Screams broke out the tedium, familiar screams of the annoying brat that had Mallory rushing forward out of stealth before she realized. \n\nEach moment played like a slideshow before her mind. The door opened, Sarah hung from the ceiling screaming in pain, a lone horse stood across from her with a remote in one hand. Next came the smell of blood, followed by screams as the stallion clutched the stump of his hand. Her foot collided with his jaw before she realized, snapping his neck as her monofilament wire reeled back into her fingertip. \n\nThe speed wasn't what shocked her. Mallory's reflexes were wired and honed through training. But the raccoon didn't remember flipping her switch, leading her to stand in confusion over the equine's corpse, where nothing but her breathing, Sarah's, and the strain of the rabbit's chains filled the room. \n\nIt's only because she makes Eric happy. She thought, whipping her wire through the chains and catching the disgusting classless brat. No one was to harm his property. \n\n``Whaf is...'' Sarah struggled to keep her eyes open. Mallory assisted with several quick slaps. ``Wake up, you classless garbage. Don't facking sleep on me.'' Even so, her mark looked too out of it to even realize she was being held. ``Don't you dare close your eyes.'' Mallory pulled her hood off, revealing what amounted to a floating head at a glance, ``Else you may not wake to see the young master.''\n\nA cheeky smile crossed her bruised lips, ``You said the F-word. Thought you were supposed to be all regal and fancy?'' To her surprise, Mallory smiled at the comment, ``Well you bring out the worst in me, and I intend to correct it later. Can you walk?''\n\n``Yeah,'' She nodded, ``I can facking-FACK!'' She reeled her legs back after trying to stand alone, ``You facking kidding me?! They didn't break my legs, why the fack does it-''\n\n``You've been hanging for almost a day. Let the blood rush back into your legs, idiot.'' The raccoon kept a steady grip on her regardless. Assessing the small torture chamber and Sarah's restraints, Mallory breathed a sigh of relief that the classless fool was a victim rather than a traitor. Though it only opened more questions. ``What happened?'' she asked, undoing the rabbit's straightjacket, ``Why did they take you?''\n\n``Got jumped in the mall after a fight with Drips.''\n\n``Young master Eric,''\n\n``Fack you,'' Sarah growled through grit teeth, pushing herself to her feet. ``But yeah, they jumped us. Figured they were after him, so I pushed him away to try and hold them off. I thought they grabbed us both and were using me for leverage.''\n\n``You thought?'' Was Her young master's infatuation with this insipid hare that obvious? ``What changed your mind?''\n\n``I asked, and the rabbit torturing me said I was torture for m....the other rabbit he had in tow.'' She looked off in her explanation, clearly hiding something. As curious as Mallory was, it could be saved for later. An explosion rocked their foundation before she could speak. Mavis's voice blared in Mallory's ear, ``Get out now. Our charges are set to go off.''\n\n``Charges?!'' Mallory blinked and sent another message back, ``My lady, why are you using detonation charges?'' \n\n``To send a message. Move.'' \n\n``Of all the irresponsible...'' Mallory bit her lip, hushing herself from speaking more ill of her master's eldest. ``Let's go,'' She ushered, grabbing the rabbit and pulling her out to the corridor. \n\nIt appeared her interrogation techniques needed work, as several guards popped out of the rooms in confusion over the ensuing shaking. Flipping her internal wires and reeling the monofilament thread, she turned to Sarah to keep her behind. The raccoon's eyes met face to face with the barrel of a laser pistol, too close to dodge even with her augments. Light blared at the barrel, hot enough to singe her fur on contact.\n\nThe beam missed her. She blinked, turning at the smell of burnt fabrics followed by a scream. ``I can take care of myself,'' Sarah boasted, firing another shot over the raccoon's shoulder. Mallory gave her no attention, rushing forward and swinging the razorwire through the hall, it's velocity slicing through armor and bone like a fine kitchen knife through fresh vegetables. \n\nConfusion from the rocking explosions and the tight space had soured their enemy's advantage. Time wasn't on the duo's side, and the surge of bodies did little to help speed things long. Sarah stayed back, firing wildly with the pistol but hitting enough to scare furs into cover. Those that didn't were splattered by Mallory's string. ``This way!'' The coon shouted, pointing to the entrance, ``We're almost-'' \n\nThe next explosion knocked her backwards. Hearing a cry from behind, she turned around to see the black bun ramming against her. Off balance, Mallory tumbled forward, catching herself at the last second to see half the ceiling collapse. Her inner mind screamed out, pushing her legs forward to cast aside spare rubble. ``Stupid, ignorant, feebleminded,'' She wasn't sure if her insults were pointed to Sarah, her mistress, or herself.\n\nShe found her quickly, half her body buried under metal and concrete rubble. Grabbing the rabbit and finding her pulse, the raccoon slapped her awake. ``What were you thinking?'' \n\nSarah coughed, ``I was thinking...fack...thinking that I had to get to the entrance before the ceiling...'' She groaned, biting her lips and digging her fingers against the floor, ``the ceiling collapsed. But then some uptight bitch got in my way.'' Looking up, the black bunny's face carried a mix of confusion and pain, ``You smiling?''\n\n``What?'' Mallory's face burned, ``No. Shut up.'' Driving her fingers into the concrete, she lifted with what her hydraulics could muster, ``Crawl out.''\n\n``I'm trying,'' Sarah muttered, pulling herself along the ground, ``I can't...I can't feel...'' She lost consciousness before Mallory noticed the blood. She'd seen enough in her time under Alfred to know grisly, and limbs had been replaced for less than the state of Sarah's. Pulling the bun from the wreckage as the next explosion reared behind them, the maid carried her master's guardian out in her arms to the waiting VTOL. Mistress Mavis and Leif were at the ready, the white fox's cyberarm typing into augmented reality as more explosions fired off.\n\n``Did you get the-'' She froze at the sight of their mark and the blood trail that followed. ``What-''\n\nMallory pushed past her mistress, shoving Sarah against the nearest seat and tightening her in. ``Karbon Estate, Medical bay. Shortest route.''\n\nThe onboard A.I. chimed in, ``Shortest route to Karbon Estate approximately 10-'' \n\n``Override security protocol, authorization Mallory Karbon. Make it 5!'' Mallory held her throat, so unaccustomed to yelling, let alone saying her full name. Mavis and Leif hunked in with them as their transport blasted off into the sky. Experience with wounds told the raccoon the onboard first aid kit was worth little more than stopping blood loss. But it was all she could do.\n\nOtherwise she'd call out the reckless behavior of her master's eldest, and good servants did not scream at their owners. \n\n", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "Mallory had to admit that the young master had shown to be more exuberant around the classless wretch he'd found in the gutter. The raccoon was not blind to his behaviors, she did practically raise him when his mother was working. And a busy lady like Mrs. Karbon was nearly always on the job, one that required a focus and dedication the head maid respected. As such, she'd been, but would never call herself, a second mother to Eric. Feeding him, clothing him, cleaning up, and playing with him until he was too old to partake in her as a playmate. She loved him like family, as she did all of the Karbons.

So seeing the young fox nearly kill himself again and again as he scoured through cyberspace to find his missing pet had the raccoon's fists clenched so tight that she'd be bleeding if her palms weren't reinforced. She knew he had been struggling socially and how that hurt his mental state. But why her? Why some bunny from the trash heaps? If he had to deal with the lower class, he could at least have dealt with a class 3, someone who knows how the world works and accepts their place.

But no. He had to be infatuated with the scum of scum. And of course, she went missing. She tapped into enough of his searches to get the impression that she'd been kidnapped. But such a thing made no sense. Why kidnap a bodyguard? The Karbon's enemies had plenty of reason to kidnap their children, even if it would be suicidal. But a guardian, one from the lowest dregs, made no sense.

She shook her head, adjusting her glasses as new information came in. Sense didn't matter. What mattered was her poor master nearly killing himself repeatedly and she would see fit to stop it. Sitting up from her chair, Mallory simultaneously watched the feed to Eric's room as she palmed a syringe. As soon as he dove back into cyberspace, she entered his room. The young fox's cybersecurity skills were impressive, but they did little to stop the torque her own arms could muster as she pulled them open. A punishment she'll pay for later.

Lost in his realm, Eric couldn't hear metal being torn and churned under her grip. Forcing the doors aside, she strode in and softly stabbed the syringe into his neck. ``Rest now, young master,'' She whispered, knowing he couldn't hear her as his consciousness slipped to dreams, ``I will find your pet and bring her back kicking and screaming.''

Satisfied with a quick scan of his vitals, Mallory stepped out and met with the tall frame of the dark furred badger. ``Evening, Mallory,'' Leif said with a graceful bow of his head. ``How are you?''

``I am fine, Leif. Do you need something?'' Mallory asked, trying and failing to step around his hulking frame. He shook his head, ``No, you cannot. I am just here to hold you until Mavis arrives, so she may question you.''

``Hold me to...'' she smiled as her left eye twitched, ``Did you just refer to Mistress Mavis by her first name?''

For a second, Leif's expression cracked. His eyes widened and throat tightened under Mallory's judging gaze. ``In combat situations, I find it easier to refer to those by their first name.'' The two turned to find Mavis walking toward them. The white fox carried herself in a tight sports bra and leggings, and the scent of exercise had Mallory almost chastise her mistress to rest better. Eric wasn't the only child she raised in this house. ``But you are correct, Mallory. Leif should be calling me by my proper title.''

The badger took to his knees and bowed his head, ``My apologies, Mistress. It will not happen again.''

The raccoon expected a reprimand. A cold and harsh swift punishment to remind her fellow servant his place. Instead, the white fox simply raised her hand and said, ``At ease. It is little compared to what Mallory has just done.''

Her heart sank. Mavis was watching? Either the raccoon had been careless, or the eldest daughter had gained more skills than she had expressed to her father. Pride swelled, mixing with the upcoming fear of punishment for doing what needed to be done. How could she not be happy for the white fox's skills, even if they were against her?

She could lie, but such an act would be sacrilegious against her masters. ``Oh? And what might that be, Mistress?'' There was a chance, a slim chance, that she could get away without another hitch. Time was, for the classless dredge anyway, short. Mavis's expression stayed stern, eyeing the raccoon with the scrutiny of a captain. Grabbing her wrist with her robotic right arm, she squeezed until Mallory's own cybernetics relented, letting the syringe fall to the floor. ``What did you do to my little brother?'' She asked, burning rage on the tip of her tongue.

The raccoon couldn't help but smile softly. Even underneath the military demeanor, Mavis still cared about her siblings. So much like her father. ``I humbly request your forgiveness, my lady. But young master Eric has been pushing himself through cyberspace without rest since he returned. I, in good faith, cannot allow him to keep injuring himself like this. So I administered a sleep aid to enforce rest.'' There was no regret in her voice. She would take one hundred lashes if it meant her betters were taken care of.

Mavis's expression remained stern. She looked to Eric's room, the dented doors that were forced open, then back to the raccoon. ``Do you know why that is?''

``Yes.'' Mallory nodded, ``He is looking for Sarah. Young Master Eric was found unconscious in the mall without her in sight. He believes she was kidnapped.''

``A bodyguard? Kidnapped?'' Mavis wore the confusion across her brow, ``Why would anyone wish to kidnap a classless? Isn't it more likely she escaped?''

``That was a working theory of mine, Mistress. I have figured out her location from credible sources, and was going to reclaim her at this very moment.''

``Alone?''

She nodded without hesitation. This was something not worth the time or effort of the Karbon's. The white fox shook her head, ``Leif, head to my quarters and acquire our gear. I expect my selection to be appropriate for urban, but ultimately subtle, combat.''

Mallory blinked in confusion as she watched the badger leave. ``Mistress, I do not think that is-''

``Your opinion is noted, Mallory, but I have already made my decision. What has happened is a clear attack on the Karbon household, and as the local head, it is my responsibility to deal with it.'' Her metallic hand held the raccoon's chin, forcing the maid deep into her eyes, ``Your punishment for attempting this without informing me can be discussed later. Now, tell me where you found my brother's pet so we can retrieve it.''

A tear formed in the coon's eye, but she fought it off. Now was not the time to weep with joy at the woman Alfred's daughter had become. In weakness, Mallory wished her lord would show more pride publicly in his children. They deserved so much more than a closed door celebration. ``Right away, Mistress. My contacts have spotted her description in the factory district.''

``Your contacts?'' Mavis queried her brow, ``Mallory, this is the first I am hearing of any contacts you have.''

``I was your father's personal slave for many years before he married into the family, Mistress Mavis. We encountered many colorful characters, and as a caretaker I am to make sure of any potential threats. Foreign, and domestic.''

***

Skiv knew pain. Being classless, pain was most of her day to day life. Mental, physical, emotional, she'd experienced enough to think she could take anything thrown at her.

Her lungs disagreed, burning as the black rabbit screamed in agony while electricity ran through her nerves. Kicking and flailing with what little room her restraints gave, all to fruitlessly alleviate the searing shocks coursing through her.

Then it stopped. The rabbit gasped for air and struggled to hold her head aloft. How long had she been here? She had no way to tell, not with the featureless walls and lack of windows. Her only hint were the two rabbits with her; one wearing a tailored suit and a blank black screen hiding his face, sitting on a folding chair with his legs crossed. The other wore a full suit of latex, her face covered by a mask with holes for her ears, eyes, nose and mouth. The sitting bun had his hand tight on the latex bun's scalp, forcing her to watch Skiv's sessions.

``S-Stop-" Her words became screams as electricity surged again. Drips's had to be watching, why else would they be torturing her? Skiv found no camera on the walls, leaving her to assume the sick facker sitting across was recording it through his mask. Shame built up between the brief pauses from pain, knowing Eric was watching them torment her.

She was strong. She knew pain. But even Skiv had her limits, crying for mercy after every surge of electricity. If Drips, no, if Eric really cared like he believed he did, the fox would give into whatever demands they asked.

You're pathetic. The voice in her head growled.  Just how soft have you become? Begging for mercy like some sniffling whore. What's next? Offering them your body like every other weakling with a cunt?

Tears matted her cheeks. ``Stop...please stop...'' She begged, dangling helplessly before her audience. A buzzer sounded off. Reflex had her tightening her core and closed her eyes, not knowing what else to expect but more pain. When none came, she took a peak to find the masked rabbit's head arched upward as if reading something. The masked bun on her feet still watched, terror and tear edging at her eyes. Her oh so familiar eyes.

``Fack, I need to sleep.'' Getting up, the screen masked bun brushed off his suit and pulled the other rabbit up. His gimped slave stood a foot over him, sizable breasts constrained tight in her suit and arms bound behind her. ``Come,'' He said, tugging the least around her throat, ``I have a visor for you back home.''

Were they done? No, whatever this was, it was a temporary reprieve. Despite the pain in her body and fear in her throat, Skiv lurched as far forward as the chains let her. ``Where's Eric?'' She demanded. ``I want to see Eric.''

``Not here.'' He didn't turn back to her, ``There's nothing I want from him.''

``That's facking bull!'' The leather constraining her strained, ``That's why you're torturing me, ain't it? Why else would I still be alive? Why even take me?''

``I don't have to explain myself to classless trash.''

``Then why the mask? To hide your unearned superiority?'' He stopped at the door, letting the frame freeze open. He turned back as it closed, feet nearly stomping the ground he marched over. ``I was blessed with my superiority.'' His fist drove into her stomach before Skiv could answer. More surprising than painful. ``I am nothing like gutter trash like you. Your kind is nothing but pipe waste, sludge, scum that's barely even worth turning into worthwhile product!'' His strikes became flails, hitting aimlessly throughout her body like a tantrum slamming the ground. ``You dare think you're better? You're just a pet, a product that some lonely fox saw fit to purchase. You shouldn't even exist!''

His hits didn't hurt, not on their own. But the previous shocks had made her a bit more sensitive to each pommel. Yet she laughed at him. Maybe she cracked, maybe she found his attempts to hurt her by himself just too funny. But Skiv laughed all the same. ``Shut up!'' His command went unanswered.

The shocks resumed. ``Shut up!'' He roared, turning her laughter to screams. The gimped up bunny behind him leaned into the shorter rabbit, resting her breasts against his head. The electricity stopped, filling the room with Skiv's panting pain and the crinkling of latex. ``You're right, I'll be late,'' He said to his slave, before turning to Skiv and continuing, ``This isn't about Eric, and this isn't about you. You're just an unfortunate existence that this whore promised didn't exist.''

Whore? Skiv peered at the latex bun, who turned away. Gears clicked in her, filling in as pieces made sense. The eyes, she'd seem them in her own reflection before. But...''Mo-'' Pain burst through her nerves, straining her voice box again.

``Never,'' He uttered with suppressed fury, ``Say that word in my presence, whore.'' Skiv hung lifelessly by hooks and chains, free from the shocks for an unknowable amount of time. She couldn't believe it. That gimped up rabbit, who'd been forced to suck her off, was her mother? No, it couldn't be. The last she saw of her mother, she'd been abandoned in an empty oil drum.

But who else could she be?

***

The lower districts were a necessary plight of any society. While Mallory made note to not look out the windows and see the third class rabble work and toil throughout factories, she couldn't help but see them out of the corner of her eye. Society needed workers, it needed people doing the worst jobs in order for the rest to flourish. So she felt no pity or sympathy for them, as she'd be doing the same in their position.

In many ways, she was. Gone was her maid uniform, replaced with a tight bodysuit meant for quick movement and infiltration. Her ready check pinged off, a third go around of all the raccoon's internal systems to avoid any errors in the field. Mavis sat across from her, wearing an odd mix of combat fatigues and casual wear. Unacceptable in the higher districts, but perfect enough to tell the lower classes not to mess with her.

Leif's voice echoed over the intercom, ``We're here, Mistress.'' Mallory and Mavis looked out from the window, finding one of the many warehouses dotting the landscape. It bore nothing special compared to the rest, standing tall with concrete windowless walls and heavy bay doors. The raccoon's contacts told her it was owned through several companies, and they were still digging to trace the primary owner. Corruption made it easy for those working in the underbelly to gain privacy, so long as they didn't step on the wrong toes.

Parking in shadows between buildings, the three exited their vehicle and opened the trunk. Leif grabbed two MASER rifles, handing one to Mavis who immediately checked its sights. ``Mallory, scope out the perimeter and tell me any weak points.''

She complied, pulling the mask of her suit on and blending into the background. Mallory knew the standard procedure, she'd done this since before the white fox was born. Find every weak point possible, gauge which is the best for entry, create backup plans, etc. But even with the blueprints her contacts provided, they had no idea of what resistance to expect, or even where they held Sarah.

Thankfully, there were always people she could ask. After mapping three entrances, she returned to the one with the lowest amount of security; one guard leaned up against the wall, his rifle to his side and a cig in his maw. Unprofessionalism at its finest.

In one fluid motion, she kicked the tiger's gun away and rammed her open palm into his neck. He gagged, dropping his cig in futile attempts to call for help. Still unseen, she slipped behind and kicked his knees forward, forcing him to the ground to better lock an arm around his throat.

``Scream and you die,'' Mallory whispered with an icy chill. Fingers tight around his maw, her hands were strong enough to shatter it, and the raccoon had enough control to compress and break his bones slowly if she wanted. ``Answer my questions and you'll wake up tomorrow with a sore neck. Nod if you understand.'' He nodded, but she didn't let go. ``Good. Now, how many guards do you have inside?''

``T-Twenty,'' The tiger muttered through his lips, ``They ain't aug-'' She clamped down, ``I didn't ask if they were augmented, I asked how many.'' Of course she snagged a coward, perfectly willing to blabber on if it got them a way out. Or extra time for his friends to arrive. ``How are they armed?''

``Basic laser armaments and shock batons.'' She half expected burners, but kidnappers able to get the drop on Sarah were less likely to be simple gangers. As much as she disliked the bun, Mallory appreciated the girl's own skills. ``Good, good. Now, you have a prisoner inside. A black rabbit hermaphrodite. Where is she?''

``F-First floor, back room.'' No resistance whatsoever. Someone clearly valued their life over whatever they were being paid. If not for her master's own career, she'd feel disgusted at such a lack of loyalty. ``Good boy. Now,'' She jabbed her nail into his neck, ``You're going to go to sleep. If we cross paths again like this, I will kill you, so find a new career.'' The drugs worked their magic in seconds, forcing the tiger limp then unconscious in her arms. Relying the information back to Mavis, albeit impatiently, awaited further orders.

``Twenty with maser weaponry? Getting in shouldn't be an issue, getting out with our target however...Leif and I shall provide a distraction from two sides. You will enter on the third and apprehend the mark. Is that clear?''

``Yes, Mistress.'' It was also unnecessary but that was her own pride talking. Sarah, despite being the captive, was the wild card in all of this. For all they knew, she had been working with them, or would try to put up a fight upon her rescue. The former felt unlikely, given the weaponry that they carried. The latter...well Mallory wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

She rushed in as explosions rocked both sides. The camo from her suit melded her into the walls and hid any body temperature from the scanners. Heavy and rapid footsteps echoed throughout the concrete walls, with Mallory missing her fair share of combatants passing her by. Just like her tiger said, maser weapons. No uniform though, each dressed with a mix of armor hidden under ponchos or baggy street clothes. Nothing Leif and Mavis couldn't take care of, at least for a short while.  

Which backroom had the raccoon regret her lack of specifications. There were plenty of doors, each unlocked and triggered on motion. Screams broke out the tedium, familiar screams of the annoying brat that had Mallory rushing forward out of stealth before she realized.  

Each moment played like a slideshow before her mind. The door opened, Sarah hung from the ceiling screaming in pain, a lone horse stood across from her with a remote in one hand. Next came the smell of blood, followed by screams as the stallion clutched the stump of his hand. Her foot collided with his jaw before she realized, snapping his neck as her monofilament wire reeled back into her fingertip.

The speed wasn't what shocked her. Mallory's reflexes were wired and honed through training. But the raccoon didn't remember flipping her switch, leading her to stand in confusion over the equine's corpse, where nothing but her breathing, Sarah's, and the strain of the rabbit's chains filled the room.

It's only because she makes Eric happy. She thought, whipping her wire through the chains and catching the disgusting classless brat. No one was to harm his property.

``Whaf is...'' Sarah struggled to keep her eyes open. Mallory assisted with several quick slaps. ``Wake up, you classless garbage. Don't facking sleep on me.'' Even so, her mark looked too out of it to even realize she was being held. ``Don't you dare close your eyes.'' Mallory pulled her hood off, revealing what amounted to a floating head at a glance, ``Else you may not wake to see the young master.''

A cheeky smile crossed her bruised lips, ``You said the F-word. Thought you were supposed to be all regal and fancy?'' To her surprise, Mallory smiled at the comment, ``Well you bring out the worst in me, and I intend to correct it later. Can you walk?''

``Yeah,'' She nodded, ``I can facking-FACK!'' She reeled her legs back after trying to stand alone, ``You facking kidding me?! They didn't break my legs, why the fack does it-''

``You've been hanging for almost a day. Let the blood rush back into your legs, idiot.'' The raccoon kept a steady grip on her regardless. Assessing the small torture chamber and Sarah's restraints, Mallory breathed a sigh of relief that the classless fool was a victim rather than a traitor. Though it only opened more questions. ``What happened?'' she asked, undoing the rabbit's straightjacket, ``Why did they take you?''

``Got jumped in the mall after a fight with Drips.''

``Young master Eric,''

``Fack you,'' Sarah growled through grit teeth, pushing herself to her feet. ``But yeah, they jumped us. Figured they were after him, so I pushed him away to try and hold them off. I thought they grabbed us both and were using me for leverage.''

``You thought?'' Was Her young master's infatuation with this insipid hare that obvious? ``What changed your mind?''

``I asked, and the rabbit torturing me said I was torture for m....the other rabbit he had in tow.'' She looked off in her explanation, clearly hiding something. As curious as Mallory was, it could be saved for later. An explosion rocked their foundation before she could speak. Mavis's voice blared in Mallory's ear, ``Get out now. Our charges are set to go off.''

``Charges?!'' Mallory blinked and sent another message back, ``My lady, why are you using detonation charges?''

``To send a message. Move.''

``Of all the irresponsible...'' Mallory bit her lip, hushing herself from speaking more ill of her master's eldest. ``Let's go,'' She ushered, grabbing the rabbit and pulling her out to the corridor.

It appeared her interrogation techniques needed work, as several guards popped out of the rooms in confusion over the ensuing shaking. Flipping her internal wires and reeling the monofilament thread, she turned to Sarah to keep her behind. The raccoon's eyes met face to face with the barrel of a laser pistol, too close to dodge even with her augments. Light blared at the barrel, hot enough to singe her fur on contact.

The beam missed her. She blinked, turning at the smell of burnt fabrics followed by a scream. ``I can take care of myself,'' Sarah boasted, firing another shot over the raccoon's shoulder. Mallory gave her no attention, rushing forward and swinging the razorwire through the hall, it's velocity slicing through armor and bone like a fine kitchen knife through fresh vegetables.

Confusion from the rocking explosions and the tight space had soured their enemy's advantage. Time wasn't on the duo's side, and the surge of bodies did little to help speed things long. Sarah stayed back, firing wildly with the pistol but hitting enough to scare furs into cover. Those that didn't were splattered by Mallory's string. ``This way!'' The coon shouted, pointing to the entrance, ``We're almost-''

The next explosion knocked her backwards. Hearing a cry from behind, she turned around to see the black bun ramming against her. Off balance, Mallory tumbled forward, catching herself at the last second to see half the ceiling collapse. Her inner mind screamed out, pushing her legs forward to cast aside spare rubble. ``Stupid, ignorant, feebleminded,'' She wasn't sure if her insults were pointed to Sarah, her mistress, or herself.

She found her quickly, half her body buried under metal and concrete rubble. Grabbing the rabbit and finding her pulse, the raccoon slapped her awake. ``What were you thinking?''

Sarah coughed, ``I was thinking...fack...thinking that I had to get to the entrance before the ceiling...'' She groaned, biting her lips and digging her fingers against the floor, ``the ceiling collapsed. But then some uptight bitch got in my way.'' Looking up, the black bunny's face carried a mix of confusion and pain, ``You smiling?''

``What?'' Mallory's face burned, ``No. Shut up.'' Driving her fingers into the concrete, she lifted with what her hydraulics could muster, ``Crawl out.''

``I'm trying,'' Sarah muttered, pulling herself along the ground, ``I can't...I can't feel...'' She lost consciousness before Mallory noticed the blood. She'd seen enough in her time under Alfred to know grisly, and limbs had been replaced for less than the state of Sarah's. Pulling the bun from the wreckage as the next explosion reared behind them, the maid carried her master's guardian out in her arms to the waiting VTOL. Mistress Mavis and Leif were at the ready, the white fox's cyberarm typing into augmented reality as more explosions fired off.

``Did you get the-'' She froze at the sight of their mark and the blood trail that followed. ``What-''

Mallory pushed past her mistress, shoving Sarah against the nearest seat and tightening her in. ``Karbon Estate, Medical bay. Shortest route.''

The onboard A.I. chimed in, ``Shortest route to Karbon Estate approximately 10-''

``Override security protocol, authorization Mallory Karbon. Make it 5!'' Mallory held her throat, so unaccustomed to yelling, let alone saying her full name. Mavis and Leif hunked in with them as their transport blasted off into the sky. Experience with wounds told the raccoon the onboard first aid kit was worth little more than stopping blood loss. But it was all she could do.

Otherwise she'd call out the reckless behavior of her master's eldest, and good servants did not scream at their owners.  

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